Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV) Program of Nepal

Program Background

The National Female Community Health Volunteer (FCHV) Program was established in 1988 under the
Public Health Division of the Ministry of Health, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal (MOH, HMG/N) in 27 di The National FCHV Program (FCHV/P) was designed to enhance Nepal’s primary healthcare network through community participation and expanded outreach by local women working voluntarily. FCHV program in Nepal has evolved over the past years.

Goals

The National FCHV Program focused on family planning, maternal/neonatal, and child health, including the semi-annual Vitamin A supplementation program, will contribute to Nepal’s goal of reducing the total fertility rate and the under-5 mortality and maternal mortality rates.

Objectives

1. To develop in every ward with at least one FCHV, knowledgeable, trained, and well-supported health resource person through capacity building, distance education, and supportive monitoring activities, which will reinforce each FCHV’s ability to fulfill her role as a health educator, referral agent, community mobilizer and community-based service provider.
2. To activate women to tackle health problems by imparting relevant knowledge and skills
3. To prepare a pool of self-motivated volunteers as a focal person for bridging the health programs with community
4. To increase the participation of the community in improving health
5. To develop FCHV as a motivator of health
6. To increase utilization of health care services through demand creation

How are FCHVs selected?

FCHVs are selected by members of the Mothers’ Group for Health (MG‐H) with the help of local health facility staff. They are provided 18 days of basic training in two phases (9+9 days) on selected primary health care components. 

Basis of Selection of FCHV

1. permanent resident of the related ward of VDC
2. Interested in working as FCHV for at least 10 years
3. Age between 25-45 years
4. Married or single (priority to be given to women having up to 3 children in case of a married woman)
5. Committing to serve the community
6. Priority will be given to those, who can read and write
7. Priority will be given to women from Dalit, Janajati, and Marginalized groups
8. Those who are interested in being FCHV will have to submit an application to MGH

Key Services Provided by FCHVs in Nepal

1. Distribution of Family Planning Devices like pills and condoms
2. Distribution of the iron tablet to pregnant and lactating mothers
3. Oral rehydration solution distribution
4. Health education, communication, and community outreach
5. Act as a linkage between the health facility and the community and provide referral services, especially for maternal and newborn services, CB-IMNCI services
6. Provided support in-home delivery cases mainly focused on initiating skin-to-skin contact after birth, uptake of misoprostol, and application of chlorhexidine in the cord after delivery

FCHV Strategy

The FCHV program strategy has been revised in 2067 (2010) which gave strategic directions and critical approaches to ensure a strengthened national program for consistency and continuous support to each FCHV.

The Government of Nepal provides benefits and supplies for FCHVs

References

1. Ministry of Health and Population [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jul 14]. Available from: https://mohp.gov.np/program/female-community-health-programme/en
2. Female Community Health Volunteers in Nepal: What We Know and Steps Going Forward.
3. Cial Translation U. National Female Community Health Volunteer Program Strategy. 2067.